A new Department of Agriculture jobs program will provide an opportunity to increase jobs for U.S. veterans.
Announced Oct. 3 by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the program, piloted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in collaboration with the departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, uses the national apprenticeship system to offer paid training for agricultural commodity grader positions. These USDA team members perform inspections, grading and certifications of everyday foods and agricultural products.
The 12-month program — blending on-the-job training with theoretical and practical instruction in the classroom and online — is open to anyone interested in a career in agriculture, and Army, Air Force and Marine veterans are already enrolled in the inaugural curriculum.
“Veterans, by their very nature, are always looking for opportunities to serve,” VA Secretary Bob McDonald said. “This innovative apprenticeship program allows more of our nation’s veterans to continue their service out of uniform in the important mission of USDA.”
The Department of Labor has registered the new program as an official source for job training and the VA approved the use of veterans benefits, which may include housing and books/supplies stipends.
The new program is also being used as a pilot for a new online interactive learning management system for all AMS Specialty Crops Inspection program employees.
AMS career opportunities can be viewed at www.ams.usda.gov/careers.
